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June 23, 2015

Mayo Psychiatrists Honored For Depression, Bipolar Research

By Robert Nellis

Two Mayo Clinic psychiatrists have been recognized for their contributions to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of depression and bipolar disorder. Paul Croarkin, D.O., and Mark Frye, M.D., were both presented with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance’s (DBSA) highest honors for members of the scientific community: Gerald L. Klerman Awards. The Klerman awards are named for the late Gerald L. Klerman, a psychiatrist and expert on depression.

Dr. Paul Croarkin

Dr. Paul Croarkin is the Gerald L. Klerman Young Investigator Award recipient. Dr. Croarkin received his medical degree at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at University of North Texas. He was a general psychiatry resident and chief resident at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California. Later he completed a residency in child and adolescent psychiatry and served as the chief resident at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Subsequently, he received a Master of Science in Clinical Science at the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Dr. Croarkin is focused on understanding the neurobiology, optimal treatment, and classification of mood disorders in children and adolescents. His research has investigated the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate neurotransmitter systems in early-onset mood disorders. His goal is to inform safer and more effective biologic treatments. “It is an honor to have our work in the Mayo Clinic Depression Center recognized by this award from the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance,” says Dr. Croarkin.

Dr. Mark Frye received a Gerald L. Klerman Senior Investigator Award. Dr. Frye received his medical degree at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. He was a general psychiatry

Dr. Mark Frye

resident at UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute in the UCLA School of Medicine, and he completed a research fellowship with the National Institute of Mental Health in the Biological Psychiatry Branch. Dr. Frye is a professor of psychiatry and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, as well as the director of the Mayo Clinic Depression Center.

Dr. Frye has a clinical practice interest and research focus on genomics and brain imaging in treatment resistant depression, bipolar disorder, and alcoholism. Dr. Frye says, “Our research was to better understand the underlying mechanisms of disease to better guide treatment interventions for our patients. I am honored to receive recognition from the DBSA for this research.” - Rachel Lake

Depression is a silent killer, we need to spread awareness about depression so people can get the treatment they desperately need and will not have to suffer alone. I recommend anyone suffering with depression, read destroy depression its goes through how alternative treatments work. They helped me change my life and there is a review for it here: http://25days.org/depression/best-ways-to-effectively-fight-depression/

Depression is a silent killer, we need to spread awareness about depression so people can get the treatment they desperately need and will not have to suffer alone. I recommend anyone suffering with depression, read destroy depression its goes through how alternative treatments work. They helped me change my life and there is a review for it here: http://25days.org/depression/best-ways-to-effectively-fight-depression/

Patients and their families lack a picture or frame work for brain activity and how depression is a brain dysfunction. They have a basic understanding of other organs ie heart, kidneys, bladder; however the brain is still a mystery inside the skull.